Friday, December 12, 2008

Face of Defense: Fire Chief Moonlights in National Guard

By Army Pfc. Jasmine N. Walthall
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - An 18-year veteran of the New York City
Fire Department is achieving another veteran status here, this time as a soldier. Army Pfc. Steven P. Fitzgerald, from Floral Park, N.Y., is serving as an intelligence analyst in Iraq.

Fitzgerald has served in the fire department since 1990, following in his father's firefighting footsteps. But the citywide battalion chief jumped at the chance to enlist in the Army after his fiancée,
Army Spc. Viviana B. Molina, informed him of a new Army age limit.

Fitzgerald joined his fiancee's unit -- the New York
Army National Guard's 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion, from Ronkonkoma, N.Y. -- in July 2007 at age 41, a decision he said was long overdue.

"There were so many people I knew personally who passed during 9/11, and all I did was pay my taxes and practice my golf swing," Fitzgerald said. "My goal was to do my part by coming to Iraq and serving my country."

The decision to start an Army career when he was nearing retirement in his civilian career came as a shock to Fitzgerald's family and friends.

"Everyone thought I was crazy or going through a midlife crisis," Fitzgerald said. "I wasn't looking to prove anything or get attention; I just wanted to do my part, and it was worth it."

While basic combat training and advanced individual training came relatively easy for Fitzgerald, both physically and mentally, there were a few challenges he had to overcome.

"My biggest challenge was working with young adults who could be my children," Fitzgerald said. "However, I was in awe that there were soldiers here doing more at 21 years old than I ever thought of doing.

"I also had to deal with being a lower enlisted [soldier] and having to take orders, where I was previously in a position to give orders to 400 to 500
firefighters," he added.

Army Maj. Fred J. Evans, 3-142 AHB intelligence officer, commended Fitzgerald's decision to join.

"I can't say that I would have done the same thing if I was in his position, but I am proud that he did," Evans said. "He is very accountable, and because of his civilian job, I tend to give him more tasks and responsibilities than the average private first class."

Fitzgerald said he plans to finish work on a master's degree and to look into the possibility of warrant officer school when his deployment is over in six months. In the meantime, he said, he's just proud to serve.

"To be able to say in June of 2009 that I am a veteran in the U.S.
Army is a big deal," he said. "I am proud to say that I am serving my country and have done my part, and would definitely do it again."

(
Army Pfc. Jasmine N. Walthall serves with Multinational Division Center.)

Gates Visits U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain

American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates visited U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters here today prior to the start of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Manama Dialogue. Gates met with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and other senior U.S. and Persian Gulf region officials to discuss regional security issues.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase the Navy's commitment to the region," Gortney said. "We will continue to work with our partners in the region to help ensure security and stability to build a lawful maritime order. We've been here for 60 years, and we'll be here for many more to come."

The Manama Dialogue is a symposium designed for discussion of security and stability in the region.

While in the Middle East, Gates will discuss regional security with his counterparts from various nations and will meet with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

This is Gates' first trip to Bahrain since December 2007.

(From a Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet news release.)

Holiday Wreaths to Adorn Arlington Gravesites

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - Volunteers will gather at noon tomorrow at Arlington National Cemetery to place holiday wreaths on veterans' gravesites as part of the nationwide "Wreaths Across America" project. The Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine, has donated about 90,000 wreaths for the program since its president, Morrill Worcester, started the annual tradition in 1992. Working with the National Cemetery Administration and a bevy of volunteers, the company has made balsam fir wreaths with bright red bows to adorn every headstone at Arlington.

Last year, the project that began with a trailer load of wreaths and 25 volunteers went national. In addition to placing 10,000 wreaths at Arlington, volunteers placed 22,553 additional wreaths at veterans' gravesites at 286 locations nationwide.

Worcester expects to top that number this year, placing about 100,000 wreaths on veterans' graves at 350 different sites.

"Our goal is to expand the recognition of those who serve our country, both past, present and future, as well as their families who deserve our support," he said. "Without the sacrifices of our veterans, there would be no opportunity to enjoy the freedoms, the life we live today."

While honoring veterans' service, Worcester said the program inspires others to renew their commitment to honor those who have served and serve today in the military.

"To each, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we owe unwavering support and a profound debt of gratitude for preserving the way of life we all enjoy here in the United States of America," he said.

Pentagon Official Urges Broad Approach to Piracy

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - The United States has submitted to the United Nations Security Council a draft resolution that reportedly seeks to allow forces to pursue Somalia-based pirates onto Somali turf. But Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman today emphasized that addressing piracy in the region -- where more than 60 ships reportedly have been attacked this year -- requires more than a
military response.

"I think there are many that are seeking a simple
military solution, or solely a military solution, to address the piracy issue," he said. "And I think we need a more comprehensive look at this.

"While there may be a
military component, this is an issue that has to be addressed more broadly," Whitman said, adding that representatives of diplomacy, industry and law also could play roles in a response.

Whitman said the military is assessing how it can contribute in dealing with piracy.

"As the United States
military, we are looking at the full range of options that might be available to the commander in chief to address these kinds of things," he said.

The resolution reportedly will be discussed next week during a meeting of the 15-nation U.N. Security Council.

Admiral Pledges Ongoing Support of Humanitarian Efforts

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - Humanitarian missions will be an important element of U.S. 4th Fleet's long-term planning efforts, the fleet commander told bloggers and online journalists yesterday.
Navy Rear Adm. Joseph Kernan, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet, pledged his commitment to humanitarian efforts like the recent Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian and civic-assistance deployment to the Southern Command area that wrapped up in early December.

"We're going to continue every year ... to do an exercise like a Continuing Promise, and also every asset that goes into the region or the theater is going to do Continuing Promise-like activities, whether it's humanitarian, whether it's a construction project or things of that nature," the admiral said.

The Continuing Promise Caribbean Phase, aboard USS Kearsarge, was the second of two humanitarian and civic assistance deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first Continuing Promise deployment was conducted by USS Boxer to the Pacific.

Kearsarge's mission was to conduct joint
civil-military operations, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil-engineer support to six partner nations. The goal was to send a message of compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean, Kernan said.

"We went down there in Continuing Promise with no intent. ... We didn't invite presidents of countries to visit, but I'll tell you, after [we were] there for about a week, presidents of countries showed up in three different places," Kernan said.

The admiral said one of the presidents who visited, President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, was impressed when he saw the efforts to help his country.
Kernan said what most impressed him during the deployment was the young sailors who unselfishly volunteered their time to help others in need.

"When the youth go in there, 17- to 24-year-olds, hundreds of them ashore, ... [it accomplishes] two things," Kernan said. "Number one, they can connect to the people, the young generation of that country; and number two, it tells them that these are the types of people that are going to lead America, and this is where their values and their interests are -- and it was unbelievable."

Kernan continued to witness his sailors' volunteerism throughout the deployment, particularly following the devastating path of destruction left by tropical storms Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Hurricane Ike. "If you went to Haiti ... it would bring a tear to your eye [to see] the hundreds of sailors that volunteered every day to go ashore in the hot sun and carry 110-pound bags," he said.

On Sept. 12, U.S. 4th Fleet diverted Kearsarge from Santa Marta, Colombia, to assist the U.S. Agency for International Development in recovery efforts. During the six-day diversion to Haiti, Kearsarge transported food, cargo and equipment between Port-au-Prince and Gonaives, Jeremie, Saint Marc, Port de Paix, Jacmel and Les Cayes.

The admiral said that while sailors aboard Kearsarge taught him valuable lessons in humanity, so did nongovernmental organizations such as Operation Smile and Operation Hope that participated in Continuing Promise. Additionally, Brazil, Canada, France, Nethrlands and Spain also joined in the humanitarian efforts.

"You've got to be really inclusive of all of the countries, and we invite them on every single mission to come with us and be a part of what we're doing, so the country that we're working in can see that their country is also contributing to the humanitarian efforts," Kernan said.

This type of partner-nation building continues despite Kearsarge's completion of its four-month deployment. Kernan added that U.S. 4th Fleet is offering cyber-medicine in El Salvador.

"We ... [left] audio-video equipment [with the] doctors in El Salvador ... People up here in [Naval Station Mayport, Fla.] can watch what they're doing and advise them on how to conduct the particular procedures, so it's kind of our way to do persistence without actually being there," Kernan said.

(
Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)

National Guard Prepares to Celebrate 372nd Birthday

By Renee Hylton
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - The United States is a young country, but four of the oldest
military organizations in the world are in the country's National Guard. The National Guard celebrates its 372nd birthday tomorrow. On Dec. 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East regiments.

The
Massachusetts Bay colony was seven years old in 1636. About 5,000 men, women, and children had made the two-month voyage to the New World, leaving behind the relative comfort and safety of England. In Massachusetts, they confronted a wilderness of dense forests, wild animals and suspicious Indians.

The colonists needed a
military force for protection, but they had no money to hire a mercenary army, which was common practice in Europe at the time. So they turned to the English tradition of the militia -- citizen-soldiers who gathered for military training and who could fight when needed.

In Massachusetts, all able-bodied men between ages 16 and 60, except ministers and judges, were required to join the militia. By 1636, the
Massachusetts Bay Colony militia was large enough to be divided into three separate regiments.

Today, the
military lineage of these regiments from 1636 is carried on by the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery, the 181st Infantry and the 182nd Cavalry, which are all still part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. These four units, in one form or another, have been in continuous service since 1636, and are the oldest units in the U.S. Army.

Much has changed in this country since 1636, but one thing has not: citizen-soldiers still gather to train and deploy as they have for 372 years.

(Renee Hylton works in the National Guard Bureau.)

Alaska Guard Continues 'Operation Santa Claus' Tradition

By Army Spc. Paizley Ramsey
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - Children from rural Alaskan communities were treated to an early Christmas this year, thanks to the
Alaska National Guard's "Operation Santa Claus." The community relations and support program provides toys, books and school supplies for young people in communities across the state.

The 50-year tradition continued this week in Kivalina, a city in
Alaska's Northwest Arctic borough. More than 100 students from McQueen School received books, presents, a holiday meal and a new Operation Santa Claus feature, photos with Santa, on Dec. 6.
"This is so much fun, and the presents are really cool," Jasmine Adams, 14, said.

Fellow student Warren Hawley, 13, agreed. "This is the best, better than anything," he said. "This doesn't happen very much, and we want you guys to come back."

Residents also enjoyed a surprise visit from Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"It's wonderful to be here in Kivalina to celebrate the holidays and to be able to do this for the children of the community," said Palin, who was accompanied by her daughter Piper. "It's good to be able to show our support for the National Guard and to show the people of
Alaska what our Guard is up to."

Several military guests were on hand, including Air Force Gen. Carrol H. Chandler, Pacific Air Forces commander; Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig E. Campbell, Alaska's adjutant general; Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, Alaskan Command commander; and
Army Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, Alaska Army National Guard commander.

"The greatest thing about Operation Santa Claus is that we get to share our gifts, and the people of the communities get to share their culture," Campbell said. "Operation Santa Claus becomes a bonding experience for both urban and rural Alaska."

After a hot Christmas dinner, lifelong Kivalina resident Larry Adams expressed his thanks to the men and women of the
Alaska Guard.

"It's absolutely great what the Guard is doing, and the kids just love this," Adams said. "I wish they would do this more often. We would love to see the Guard here again -- only we don't want to wait until next winter. Come see us again this summer."

The Guard also sponsored visits to other rural Alaskan communities, including Ruby, Newtok, Stebbins, Teller, Brevig Mission and Chalkyitsik. A visit to Metlakatla also is planned.

(
Army Spc. Paizley Ramsey serves with the Alaska National Guard.)

Gates Plans to Reaffirm U.S. Commitment to Region at Bahrain Conference

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - Providing reassurances that countries in the region and other allies can continue to count on the United States and fostering U.S. relationships in the Persian Gulf region are among the goals Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates hopes to achieve at the multinational Manama Dialogue conference here. Gates landed here late last night to attend today's opening of the annual conference, at which he said he also hopes to expand U.S. efforts in multilateral air and maritime surveillance capabilities and defensive capabilities in the region.

Speaking to reporters during the flight here, Gates said he believes those gathered at the conference will be focused on the direction the United States will take after President-elect Barack Obama takes office next month.

"I think they will be looking for reassurance of ... continuity in U.S. attention to the region and our bilateral and multilateral relationships," he said. His message will convey that continuity, he added, and will reinforce that Persian Gulf countries can count on the United States to remain actively engaged in the region.

The secretary began meeting this morning with senior U.S. and foreign military leaders in the region. He will speak at tomorrow's first session, followed by an opportunity for questions from those attending the dialogue.

This year's Manama Dialogue is the fifth annual such meeting of leaders from more than 25 countries, including those from the Persian Gulf, the Middle East, NATO and the European Union. Hosted by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, the meetings serve as a forum on national and regional security issues and initiatives.

Defense Department Reinforces Importance of Accurate Communication

By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - In a recent letter to combatant commanders and public affairs officials throughout the Defense Department, the department's top public affairs official stressed the importance of credible communication and reinforced the department's policy on altering images. "Release of accurate and timely information to the public is a commander's responsibility and impacts
military operations by helping the public and Congress understand defense strategy, defense policy and national security issues," Robert T. Hastings, the principal deputy assistant defense secretary for public affairs, said in the letter.

The policy reminder was sparked by recent controversy over a digitally altered photo of
Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, who became the U.S. military's first female four-star general during a Pentagon ceremony Nov. 14.

The photograph was distributed by the
Army and ran on the Associated Press photo wire Nov. 13, but was pulled when a news service photography director in San Antonio noticed changes.

The altered image showed Dunwoody posing in front of an American flag and wearing her uniform, which had four stars on each side of her collar. The original image is of Dunwoody with three stars on her collar, sitting behind a desk in front of a bookshelf.

As a result, the AP banned the use of all Defense Department images on its service.

Army officials said the image did not misrepresent or change facts, therefore, did not violate any policy. Officials do not know where the photo was released from, but believe it did not come from an Army public affairs or visual information office.

However, Hastings stressed that the issue is not limited to public affairs or visual information communities, because of the "widespread use of digital cameras and image-editing software."

In the letter, he said any servicemember can "easily manipulate photos for what may seem to be harmless purposes. Such alterations can and do have wide-ranging negative consequences, because they change the factual content captured by the camera and call into question the truthfulness of other [Defense Department] imagery," he explained.

Hastings referenced the department's policy that prohibits image alterations, citing that any modification that weakens or questions the credibility of official defense imagery -- within or outside the department -- is prohibited.

The AP lifted its ban Nov. 21.

California Guardsmen Train for Kosovo Deployment

By Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - Nearly 100 California National Guardsmen are preparing for a deployment to Kosovo in the spring, where they will serve as the NATO Kosovo Force's quick-reaction force. Members of the 1-185th Combined Arms Battalion from
Bakersfield, Calif., arrived here to train with their M2 Bradley fighting vehicle.

"Over 50 percent of our soldiers have prior deployment experience to a combat zone doing this type of mission, so we know what to expect,"
Army Capt. Michael Riley, commander of Company A, 1-185th CAB, said.

Riley said the soldiers can draw from their prior deployment experiences when interacting with the local population.

"We understand cultural sensitivity, and no matter where you are being deployed to, that is important," Riley said.

Although the unit's soldiers are not new to the deployed environment, Riley said, this particular mission will be challenging in its own way.

"Our focus is to help our soldiers understand current battlefield parameters and adhering to their current standards," Riley said. "It's not easy for an infantry soldier to transition out of that mode and into a more 'friendly' role, and still be able to transition right back to being an infantryman."

Upon their arrival here in late November, the soldiers focused on Bradley gunnery training.

"It's just like qualifying with an individual weapon, but we also have to qualify as a crew," Riley said.

Riley said 100 percent of his soldiers qualified.

In mid-December, the 1-185th CAB will travel to Camp Atterbury, Ind., where they will continue their mobilization training for the Kosovo deployment.

(
Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield serves in the 177th Armored Brigade public affairs office.)

Report Finds Mismanagement in America Supports You Program

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 12, 2008 - The Defense Department Inspector General reports that the America Supports You program was being managed in a "questionable and irregular manner," the department's top public affairs official said today. Robert T. Hastings, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, spoke with reporters in advance of the release of the inspector general's audit.

Dorrance Smith, then-assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, requested the IG audit in May 2007.

Still, Hastings said, America Supports You is a "tremendous initiative" for U.S. servicemembers and their families. As originally conceived, the program aimed to inform servicemembers and their loved ones of what "thousands of individuals, community groups, corporations, businesses and others are doing to support them," he said.

The department already has put in place actions that will return the program to its roots, he said.

There were four key findings in the IG report. The first is that the program morphed over time to include building and soliciting support of the public, from schoolchildren, corporations, celebrities and so on, Hastings said. "So it went from a communications program to soliciting support," he said.

The second finding is that $9.2 million in appropriated funds was transferred to The Stars and Stripes – a
military newspaper -- to cover America Supports You program expenses using nonappropriated-fund rules. "Stars and Stripes is a nonappropriated fund activity," Hastings said. "The contracting rules are different."

The third finding is that the office of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs did not provide adequate oversight for an $8.8 million contract to a public relations firm – Susan Davis International. "The report questions the nature of the contract, the nature of the work that was performed and the competitive process in hiring that agency," Hastings said.

Finally, the report found that a private foundation using the America Supports You name and logo creates confusion and constitutes an implied endorsement. "That confusion led to perceptions of government endorsements of that private fund," he said.

Well before the release of the report, defense officials began to make changes in the way America Supports You was administered. In May, the department let a contract to replace the one that went through Stars and Stripes, Hastings said.

All America Supports You work is now being done by government workers, and the America Supports You Web site has been changed to eliminate any possible confusion between the government effort and the private foundation.

Hastings said the report made good and valid points, and that officials will use it as a model to return the program to its original goals.

MILITARY CONTRACTS December 12, 2008

Navy

General Dynamics, National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $940,378,173 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-02-C-2300) for two construction options (T-AKE 11 and T-AKE 12) which includes design and construction; technical manuals; special studies, analyses, and reviews; engineering and industrial services; and data and two options for Long Lead Time Material for T-AKE 13 and T-AKE 14. T-AKE is a new Combat Logistics Force Underway Replenishment Naval vessel intended to replace the current capability of the Kilauea-Class (T-AE 26) Ammunition Ship, Mars-Class (T-AFS 1) Combat Stores Ships, and when operating in concert with a Henry J. Kaiser-Class (T-AO 187) Oiler ship, the Sacramento-Class (AOE 1) Fast Combat Support Ship. As an auxiliary support ship, T-AKE will directly contribute to the ability of the
Navy to maintain a forward presence. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2012 for T-AKE 11, Jan. 2013 for T-AKE 12, Dec. 2013 for T-AKE 13 and Nov. 2014 for T-AKE 14. Contract funds will not expireat the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $38,258,994 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) for engineering services in support of the Acoustic – Rapid Commercial off The Shelf (A-RCI) program. The 550,000 additional engineering services hours will be used to complete the current BSY-2, Wrap Around Antenna (WAA), Va., Class sonar, Integrated Warfare Systems 5A projects/arrays, and TacLAN tasking. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (90 percent) and Syracuse, N.Y., (10 percent) and is expected to be completed by June 2009. This contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.

Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn. is being awarded a $16,776,604 cost-plus-fixed-fee material order for the procurement of vendor services to support Electric Boat's redesign effort of the Common Weapons Launcher (CWL), including the engineering support and the Engineering Development Model (EDM) hardware. The Material Order also includes efforts for the continued development of the CWL for use with SSN 784 VPT, development of interface documents, and defining changes to support both interfaces to the Weapon Control and Payload Tube Control Panel. This order is the vehicle by which the
Navy plans to fund the Block III Common Weapon Launcher design, and includes the total scope associated with the vendor portion of the inboard electronics design as well as the scope required for in-house (Electric Boat) tasks. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton Conn. is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-2101).

Raytheon Missile Systems,
Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $15,633,300 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) for Fiscal Year 2009 technical support of AIM-9X missiles for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (90 percent); Eglin, Fla., (5 percent), and China Lake, Calif., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,052,348 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($10,117,800; 65 precent) and the U.S. Air Force, ($5,515,500; 35 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Missile Systems,
Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $15,410,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) for 12 months of AIM-9X Sidewinder (Block II) Missile Obsolescence Support for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (90 percent) and China Lake, Calif., (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($9,043,095; 59 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($6,366,905; 41 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (LM MS2), Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $15,334,926 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5197) for Aegis Cruiser Modernization efforts for the USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). Services include providing the material, equipment, supplies and technical engineering required to define, design, develop, integrate, test and deliver AEGIS baseline computer programs for Aegis Combat System Upgrades, which may be further clarified by written technical instructions. The Contractor shall provide system engineering support to evaluate all problems for their effect on the AEGIS Weapon System, propose solutions to each problem, and identify changes required to all specifications. This particular modification is for the completion of the ongoing availability of the ship. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington
Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $12,861,283 cost plus fixed fee delivery order #0007 under previously awarded contract (N00383-07-G-005H) for avionics repair facility support, which provides repair for various F/A-18 aircraft components. This announcement includes purchases for the Governments of Spain, Malaysia, and Kuwait (less than 1 percent each) under the Foreign
Military Sale Program. Work will be performed in Lemoore, Calif., (57 percent); Cecil Field, Fla., (40 percent); and Philadelphia, Pa., (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded an $11,836,390 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-5422) for the FY09 option requirements of the NATO SEASPARROW Program Office. The FY09 requirements are to provide two CVN 71 MK29 MOD 4 Evolved SEASPARROW Missile (ESSM) ORDALT Kits, four CVN 71 MK73 MOD 3 Solid State Transmitter (SSTX) ORDALT Kits and two LHD Class MK29 MOD 4 ESSM ORDALT Kits. This modification to support the NATO SEASPARROW Program Office (NSPO) is a follow-on effort, which was previously performed under contract N00024-02-C-5421. The NATO SEASPARROW consortium, which includes the United States and 12 other countries, will fund all of the effort under this modification. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Concurrent Technologies Corp., Johnstown, Pa., is being awarded a $10,000,000 ceiling-priced contract for the design, fabrication, installation, and test of the
Navy MH-60S Helicopter Aircrew Carriage Stream, Tow, and Recovery System Trainer (CSTRS-T) to be located at the Naval Station Norfolk, Va. The CSTRS-T will simulate a Navy MH-60S Helicopter with high fidelity interior to conduct CSTRS operations for Helicopter Sea Combat Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) and post-FRS aircrew training. The CSTRS-T will support training for the CSTRS winch operator skill acquisition and refresher training on normal, emergency, and degraded procedures. Work will be performed in Johnston, Pa., and is expected to be completed in December 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $9,191,884 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61339-09-C-0009).

Broadmoor, L.L.C., Metairie, La., is being awarded $8,000,000 for firm fixed price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62467-05-D-0096) for design and construction of Calibration Laboratory at Naval Air Station JRB New Orleans. The work to be performed includes the design, layout, and construction of a new facility housing clean rooms, a calibration laboratory, offices, and warehousing space. Existing laboratory equipment including test benches and collateral equipment will be relocated from the existing calibration laboratory suites to the new facility once completed. The contractor shall provide turnkey operations for all design, labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to perform all work described in the request for proposal. Work will be performed in New Orleans, La., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $7,986,087 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5122) to exercise options for Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) FY09 MK 1
Technology Refresh Support Services; FY09 Pre/Post Certification/Life Cycle Maintenance Support Services; FY09 Engineering Change/Field Change Kits, Commercial Off the Shelf Obsolescence Engineering and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages. In the course of this effort, Raytheon IDS will be responsible for the integration of complex war-fighting improvements – including components associated with the Dual Band Radar (DBR) and Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Block 2 – into the modular SSDS. Raytheon IDS will integrate, test and provide certification support for the government-furnished equipment/government-furnished information required for the CVN/Amphibious ship combat system. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (90 percent); Tewksbury, Mass., (2.5 percent); Portsmouth, R.I., (2.5 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla., (2.5 percent); and Tucson, Ariz., (2.5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Rolls Royce Corp.,
Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $6,042,666 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00019-03-D-0002) for the procurement of two AE2100D3 turboprop engines for the U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

LB&B Associates, Inc., Columbia, Md., is being awarded a minimum $18,755,149 firm fixed price contract to support government-owned, contractor operated fuel services. Other locations of performance are Calif., and Texas regions. Using service is
Navy. The original proposals were solicited in a full and open competition with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2016. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (Sp0600-09-C-5900).

Agility Defense & Government Services Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a maximum $55,688,166 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for establishment of total supply chain management, customer direct initiative to support replenishment parts and industrial hardware. Other locations of performance are Pennsylvania and Customer Direct – Worldwide. Using services are
Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally 5 proposals solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract has a base period of four years with two, two-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Fiscal Year 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-9004).

Coastal Pacific Food Distributors,
Stockton, Calif.*, is being awarded a maximum $45,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is Stockton, California. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 16, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3280).

Special T. hosiery Mills, Inc., Burlington, N.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $7,092,000 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for
Army, antimicrobial socks and boots. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Navy. There were originally 25 proposals solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This action is exercising the fourth option year period. The date of performance completion is Dec. 11, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-05-D-0386).

General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $6,376,123 firm fixed price, sole source, requirements type contract for engine parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are
Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was 1 proposal originally solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is for ten years with a two-year base and four two-year options. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM400-00-D-9403).

Air Force

The
Air Force is modifying a time and materials contract to Call Henry, Incorporated, Titusville, Fla., for $9,836,338. This contract action is to exercise Option IV of the basic contract. At this time, $1,540,000 has been obligated. 88 CONS/PKBA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8601-05-D-0002, Modification P00008).